STARKE, Fla. — Florida executed Kayle Bates, 67, on Tuesday for the brutal 1982 murder of Janet White, marking the state’s 10th execution of 2025 — a record high for a single year.
Bates was pronounced dead at 6:17 p.m. at Florida State Prison following a lethal injection. His conviction included first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and attempted sexual battery for abducting and fatally stabbing White on June 14, 1982, in Florida’s Panhandle.
Authorities said Bates abducted White from her workplace at an insurance office, led her into nearby woods, attempted to rape her, and then fatally stabbed her. He also stole her diamond ring, tearing it from her finger.
Randy White, Janet’s husband, witnessed the execution and later thanked Governor Ron DeSantis for signing the death warrant.
“I am truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support from so many who didn’t know either one of us. I thank you from my heart,” he said.
When asked if he had any final words, Bates simply said, “no.”
Over the years, Bates’ legal team appealed his conviction, arguing that organic brain damage was not adequately considered during the second sentencing phase. The Florida Supreme Court rejected that argument, and a federal lawsuit claiming discrimination in the governor’s warrant process was recently dismissed.
Nationwide, Bates was the 29th person executed in the U.S. so far in 2025. At least nine more executions are scheduled across seven states before the year ends.
